I85PREP
⌘ K
NJ Notary study materials
NJ Notary study resources

NJ Notary practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NJ Notary understanding.

First 50 of 199 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

In New Jersey, a notary public's commission is issued by which office?

  1. The county clerk of the notary's county of residence
  2. The Governor's office
  3. The Administrative Office of the Courts
  4. The New Jersey Secretary of State Correct answer.

Explanation

Notary public commissions in New Jersey are granted through the Secretary of State's office, which administers the notary program, processes applications, and maintains commission records. County clerks handle filings of certain notarial documents but do not issue commissions.

Question 2Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

What is the term length of a notary public commission in New Jersey?

  1. Five years Correct answer.
  2. Three years
  3. Seven years
  4. Four years

Explanation

A New Jersey notary public is commissioned for a term of five years. A notary may apply for reappointment before the term expires to avoid a lapse in authority.

Question 3Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document for a close family member. Under New Jersey practice, what is the notary's proper course of action?

  1. Proceed, because family members may be served like any other signer
  2. Proceed, but note the relationship in the journal entry
  3. Decline only if the document involves real estate
  4. Decline, because a notary may not act in a matter in which the notary has a direct beneficial interest Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary must be a disinterested party and may not notarize a document in which the notary has a direct beneficial interest or is a party. Serving close family members in transactions where the notary could benefit creates a conflict and undermines impartiality.

Question 4Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which action is a notary public authorized to perform?

  1. Certify that a copy of a birth certificate is a true copy
  2. Administer oaths and affirmations Correct answer.
  3. Represent a signer in court
  4. Give legal advice about a contract

Explanation

Notaries are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and perform other notarial acts defined by statute. Certifying vital records, giving legal advice, and representing parties are outside the notary's authority.

Question 5Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A signer appears before a notary and signs a document in the notary's presence. The signer asks the notary to confirm the signer's identity. What is the notary's core responsibility at this moment?

  1. Ensure the document will be accepted by the receiving agency
  2. Witness the signature only if two other witnesses are present
  3. Confirm the document's contents are legally accurate
  4. Verify the signer's identity and willingness to sign Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary's duty is to confirm the identity of the signer and that the signer appears willingly and understands the act being performed. The notary does not vouch for the legal accuracy or acceptability of the document's contents.

Question 6Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which of the following is an acceptable form of satisfactory evidence of identity for a notarial act in New Jersey?

  1. A signed letter from the signer's employer
  2. A utility bill in the signer's name
  3. A current government-issued photo identification card Correct answer.
  4. A verbal statement by a bystander who knows the signer

Explanation

Satisfactory evidence of identity typically includes a current, government-issued identification document bearing a photograph and signature. Documents without photographs, such as utility bills, and informal statements generally do not satisfy the identification requirement.

Question 7Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to perform a notarial act on a document written in a language the notary does not understand. What should the notary do?

  1. Require the signer to obtain a court interpreter
  2. Refuse all notarization whenever the document is not in English
  3. Proceed if the signer appears to understand the document and the notary can identify the signer Correct answer.
  4. Translate the document personally before notarizing

Explanation

A notary is not required to understand the document's language; the notary certifies identity, willingness, and the act performed, not the content. The notary may proceed when identity is verified and the signer appears to understand the transaction.

Question 8Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public's official seal or stamp in New Jersey must contain which element?

  1. The name of the county where the document will be filed
  2. The notary's photograph
  3. The notary's home address
  4. The notary's commission expiration date Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary's official stamp must include the notary's name and commission expiration date, along with other statutorily required information such as the commission status. Personal addresses and photographs are not required elements.

Question 9Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

What is the primary purpose of a notary journal in New Jersey?

  1. To record each notarial act for future reference and accountability Correct answer.
  2. To document the notary's personal tax deductions
  3. To serve as the official legal instrument being notarized
  4. To replace the notary's seal on documents

Explanation

A journal creates a chronological record of notarial acts, including the date, parties, and type of act, which supports accountability and helps resolve later disputes. It is a record of the act, not the notarized instrument itself.

Question 10Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is moving out of New Jersey and will no longer maintain a residence in the state. What must the notary do regarding the commission?

  1. Continue notarizing until the commission term ends
  2. Apply for an automatic extension of the commission
  3. Resign the commission and surrender records as required Correct answer.
  4. Transfer the commission to a family member

Explanation

A notary commission is personal and tied to eligibility, including residency where required. A notary who becomes ineligible should resign the commission and follow the statutory steps for surrender or disposition of the seal and records.

Question 11Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which statement best describes a notary public's duty of impartiality?

  1. The notary may show preference to repeat customers
  2. The notary must side with the document's drafter
  3. The notary must treat all signers the same and avoid conflicts of interest Correct answer.
  4. The notary must favor the party who paid for the notarization

Explanation

Impartiality requires the notary to act as a neutral, disinterested witness for every signer without favoring any party. Conflicts of interest and preferential treatment undermine the integrity of the notarial act.

Question 12Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a signature on a document when the signer is not present. What is the correct response?

  1. Notarize and note that the signer was absent
  2. Decline, because the signer must appear before the notary Correct answer.
  3. Notarize only if a witness confirms the signature
  4. Notarize if the signature matches a sample on file

Explanation

A notarial act requires the personal appearance of the signer before the notary. Notarizing an absent signer's signature is improper and can constitute misconduct.

Question 13Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary is asked to take an acknowledgment. What is the notary confirming in this act?

  1. That the signer has read the entire document aloud
  2. That the signer signed voluntarily and acknowledged the signature Correct answer.
  3. That the signer personally knows the notary
  4. That the document's terms are enforceable

Explanation

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer appeared, was identified, and acknowledged executing the document voluntarily. The notary does not attest to enforceability or require a reading aloud.

Question 14Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary administers an oath to a person who affirms the truth of a statement. What distinguishes an affirmation from an oath?

  1. An affirmation is legally weaker than an oath
  2. An affirmation requires two witnesses
  3. An affirmation invokes a deity while an oath does not
  4. An affirmation is a solemn promise without reference to a deity Correct answer.

Explanation

An affirmation carries the same legal weight as an oath but is made without swearing to a deity, often for reasons of conscience or belief. Both bind the person to truthfulness.

Question 15Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which of the following is an example of a notarial act that a New Jersey notary is not authorized to perform?

  1. Taking an acknowledgment of a deed
  2. Certifying that a photocopy matches an original in a transaction the notary is not otherwise authorized for Correct answer.
  3. Witnessing a signature on a power of attorney
  4. Administering an oath on an affidavit

Explanation

A notary's authority is limited to acts defined by statute, such as acknowledgments, oaths, and witnessing signatures. Certifying copies is only permitted in specific circumstances; performing acts outside statutory authority is improper.

Question 16Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is offered a fee to notarize a document but the notary is unsure whether the fee exceeds the statutory maximum. What is the best practice?

  1. Charge the offered fee and let the signer decide
  2. Refuse to notarize any document that involves a fee
  3. Charge double to cover future liability
  4. Charge no more than the maximum fee allowed by law Correct answer.

Explanation

Notaries may charge fees only within the limits set by law. Charging more than the statutory maximum can constitute misconduct.

Question 17Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which record-keeping practice best supports a notary's accountability over time?

  1. Discarding journal entries after one week
  2. Recording each act with the date, signer, and act type in a journal Correct answer.
  3. Recording only acts involving real estate
  4. Relying on memory for routine acts

Explanation

Consistent journal entries for every notarial act create a reliable record that supports accountability and helps resolve disputes. Selective or short-lived record keeping undermines that purpose.

Question 18Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document for a person who appears confused and does not seem to understand the transaction. What should the notary do?

  1. Proceed because the signer approached the notary voluntarily
  2. Ask a bystander to sign on the person's behalf
  3. Proceed if the signer can sign their name
  4. Decline until the notary is satisfied the signer understands and acts willingly Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary must confirm the signer appears willing and aware of the act. If the signer's understanding is in doubt, the notary should not proceed until satisfied, because a notarized act requires a willing and comprehending signer.

Question 19Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which of the following best describes the notary's role when notarizing a signature?

  1. To determine which party is right in a dispute
  2. To guarantee the document is legally valid
  3. To act as an impartial official confirming identity and the voluntary act Correct answer.
  4. To serve as the signer's legal representative

Explanation

The notary acts as an impartial public official who confirms identity and the voluntary nature of the act. The notary does not guarantee legal validity, represent a party, or resolve disputes.

Question 20Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public's commission has expired, but the notary continues to perform notarial acts. What is the legal status of those acts?

  1. They are valid only for family members
  2. They are valid if the seal is still legible
  3. They are improper because the notary lacks authority after expiration Correct answer.
  4. They are valid because the notary was previously commissioned

Explanation

Notarial authority exists only during the commission term. Acts performed after expiration are improper because the person no longer holds the office, regardless of possession of a seal.

Question 21Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which practice helps a notary avoid the unauthorized practice of law?

  1. Drafting contract language for the signer
  2. Selecting the correct notarial certificate for the signer Correct answer.
  3. Advising the signer on legal consequences of signing
  4. Explaining what a document means and which terms to choose

Explanation

A notary may select and complete the appropriate notarial certificate but must not explain legal meaning, advise on consequences, or draft legal terms. Those activities constitute the practice of law.

Question 22Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document that has a blank notarial certificate. What is the notary's proper action?

  1. Complete the appropriate notarial certificate for the act performed Correct answer.
  2. Ask the signer to write the certificate
  3. Sign the document without completing a certificate
  4. Refuse because blanks always invalidate the document

Explanation

The notary is responsible for completing the notarial certificate that corresponds to the act performed, such as an acknowledgment or jurat. The notary should not leave the certificate incomplete or delegate it improperly.

Question 23Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

What is the significance of the venue on a notarial certificate?

  1. It names the attorney who prepared the document
  2. It records the signer's date of birth
  3. It identifies the state and county where the notarial act occurred Correct answer.
  4. It states the fee charged for the notarization

Explanation

The venue states the jurisdiction, typically the state and county, where the notary performed the act. It establishes the place of the notarial act and supports the certificate's validity.

Question 24Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document for a signer whose identification appears altered or suspicious. What should the notary do?

  1. Accept it because it bears a photograph
  2. Accept it and record the concern in the journal
  3. Accept it if the signer states the ID is valid
  4. Decline until satisfactory identification is presented Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary must be satisfied with the identification presented. Suspicious or altered identification is not satisfactory evidence, and the notary should decline until proper identification is provided.

Question 25Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which statement accurately reflects a notary's duty regarding the notary seal?

  1. The notary may sell the seal when retiring
  2. The notary may use another notary's seal with permission
  3. The notary may lend the seal to a coworker for convenience
  4. The notary must keep the seal secure and use it only for proper acts Correct answer.

Explanation

The seal is the notary's official instrument and must be safeguarded against misuse. Lending, selling, or using another notary's seal undermines the integrity of notarial acts.

Question 26Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

In New Jersey, a notary public's authority to perform notarial acts comes from which source?

  1. The federal notary standards adopted by Congress
  2. The county clerk's office in the county where the notary works
  3. The local bar association that sponsors the notary
  4. The commission issued by the State Treasurer after the required application process Correct answer.

Explanation

A New Jersey notary derives authority from the commission granted through the State Treasurer's office after meeting statutory requirements. Without a valid commission, a person has no legal power to perform notarial acts.

Question 27Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary is completing a jurat certificate. Which statement correctly describes what the notary is certifying?

  1. That the signer owns the property described in the document
  2. That the notary witnessed the signing of the document at an earlier date
  3. That the document's contents are legally accurate and enforceable
  4. That the signer personally appeared, was sworn or affirmed, and signed the document Correct answer.

Explanation

A jurat certifies that the signer appeared before the notary, took an oath or affirmation, and signed the document in the notary's presence. The notary does not vouch for the truth or legal effect of the document's contents.

Question 28Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document for a close family member. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Proceed only if a second witness also signs the certificate
  2. Decline because a notary may not perform notarial acts for immediate family members Correct answer.
  3. Decline unless the notary's supervisor gives written approval
  4. Proceed because family members are presumed to know the signer

Explanation

New Jersey law prohibits a notary from performing notarial acts for the notary's spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, or sibling. The prohibition protects against conflicts of interest and fraud.

Question 29Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary is asked to certify a copy of a New Jersey birth certificate. How should the notary respond?

  1. Comply only if the requester presents photo identification
  2. Decline unless the notary personally obtained the certificate from the registrar
  3. Decline, because certifying copies of vital records such as birth certificates is not permitted Correct answer.
  4. Comply, because any document may be copy-certified by a notary

Explanation

New Jersey notaries may certify copies of certain documents but are prohibited from certifying copies of public records or documents whose copy certification is restricted by law, such as vital records. The notary should decline and explain the limitation.

Question 30Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to perform a notarial act but has a direct financial interest in the transaction the document concerns. What does the duty of impartiality require?

  1. The notary may proceed because financial interest is irrelevant to notarial acts
  2. The notary should decline the act because a disqualifying interest undermines impartiality Correct answer.
  3. The notary may proceed if the fee charged is disclosed to the signer
  4. The notary may proceed if the other party consents in writing

Explanation

A notary must act as a disinterested witness; a direct beneficial interest in the transaction disqualifies the notary from performing the act. Disclosure or consent does not cure the conflict.

Question 31Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which action best demonstrates that a notary is properly administering an oath to a signer?

  1. Recording the signer's address in the notary journal
  2. Asking the signer to raise a hand and verbally affirm that the statement is true Correct answer.
  3. Handing the signer a form to read silently and sign
  4. Asking the signer to provide two forms of identification

Explanation

Administering an oath requires the notary to ask the affiant to swear or affirm the truth of the statement, typically with a verbal response. Silent reading and signing does not constitute an oath.

Question 32Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public's commission lapses because the notary failed to renew. What is the effect on notarial acts performed after the lapse?

  1. The acts are valid but the notary must refund any fees charged
  2. The acts are void because the notary lacked authority at the time of performance Correct answer.
  3. The acts remain valid if the notary renews within ninety days
  4. The acts are valid because the notary acted in good faith

Explanation

A notary's authority ends when the commission expires; acts performed without a valid commission are invalid. Good faith or later renewal does not retroactively validate the acts.

Question 33Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A signer asks a notary to notarize a document but cannot produce satisfactory identification and has no credible identifying witness. What should the notary do?

  1. Proceed if the signer states his or her name and address aloud
  2. Refuse to perform the notarial act until satisfactory evidence of identity is provided Correct answer.
  3. Proceed and note in the journal that identification was unavailable
  4. Proceed if the signer looks familiar to the notary

Explanation

A notary must obtain satisfactory evidence of identity before performing a notarial act. Without acceptable identification or a credible witness, the notary must decline.

Question 34Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which statement correctly describes a notary's duty regarding the notarial certificate?

  1. The notary must ensure the certificate accurately reflects the act actually performed Correct answer.
  2. The notary may change the certificate's wording to make the document enforceable
  3. The notary may leave the certificate incomplete for the signer to finish later
  4. The notary may sign a certificate describing an act the notary did not perform if the signer requests it

Explanation

The notarial certificate must truthfully describe the notarial act the notary actually performed. Signing a false or inaccurate certificate is a violation of the notary's duties.

Question 35Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to provide a certified translation of a document along with notarizing it. What is the notary's proper response?

  1. Decline to translate, because translation services are outside the scope of notarial authority Correct answer.
  2. Translate only if the document is in a language the notary speaks fluently
  3. Translate the document and charge the maximum notary fee
  4. Provide the translation and notarize it in the same act

Explanation

Notarial authority is limited to specified notarial acts; translating documents is not among them. A notary who is not qualified as a translator should decline and may refer the signer elsewhere.

Question 36Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public maintains a journal of notarial acts. Which entry is most consistent with sound recordkeeping practice?

  1. Only the signer's name and the fee collected
  2. The date, the type of act, the signer's name, and the identification presented Correct answer.
  3. Only the date and the notary's signature
  4. A summary written from memory at the end of each month

Explanation

A proper journal entry records the essential facts of the notarial act, including date, act type, signer information, and identification details. Contemporaneous, complete entries support accountability.

Question 37Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a will. Which statement best describes the notary's role?

  1. The notary must determine whether the will meets all legal formalities
  2. The notary must serve as an executor for the estate
  3. The notary must draft the will if the testator requests it
  4. The notary may take the testator's acknowledgment or oath but cannot advise on the will's legal effect Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary may perform authorized notarial acts connected with a will, such as taking an acknowledgment or oath, but may not give legal advice or determine the will's legal sufficiency. Those tasks belong to attorneys.

Question 38Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary is asked to perform a notarial act on a Saturday evening at the signer's home. Which principle governs the notary's decision?

  1. The notary may only perform acts during regular business hours
  2. The notary may not perform acts on weekends under any circumstances
  3. The notary may perform the act at a reasonable time and place if all requirements are met Correct answer.
  4. The notary may only perform acts at the county clerk's office

Explanation

New Jersey law does not restrict notarial acts to business hours or a fixed location; the notary may act at any reasonable time and place. The notary must still meet all requirements, such as identification and the signer's presence.

Question 39Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a signature on a document where the signature was already made days earlier and the signer is now present. What is the correct approach?

  1. The notary must refuse because the signature was not made in the notary's presence
  2. The notary may take the signer's acknowledgment of the earlier signature Correct answer.
  3. The notary must require the signer to sign again in the notary's presence
  4. The notary must report the earlier signature as invalid

Explanation

An acknowledgment certifies that the signer personally appeared and acknowledged having executed the document, so a prior signature may be acknowledged before the notary. A jurat, by contrast, requires the signature to be made in the notary's presence.

Question 40Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which of the following best describes the notary's duty when a signer appears to be signing under duress?

  1. The notary should ask the person applying pressure to leave the room and then proceed
  2. The notary should decline to perform the act and may note the concern Correct answer.
  3. The notary should complete the act because the signature is voluntary on its face
  4. The notary should complete the act and report the concern to the police afterward

Explanation

A notary must ensure the signer acts freely and voluntarily. Apparent duress undermines the validity of the notarial act, so the notary should decline rather than proceed.

Question 41Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public's stamp is lost. What is the notary's best course of action?

  1. Borrow another notary's stamp until a replacement arrives
  2. Perform notarial acts without a stamp and note the loss in the journal
  3. Continue notarizing using a handwritten seal description
  4. Report the loss and obtain a replacement stamp before performing further notarial acts Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary's official stamp is required for notarial acts, so a lost stamp must be replaced before further acts are performed. Using another notary's stamp or omitting the stamp is improper.

Question 42Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which of the following is an example of a notarial act a New Jersey notary is authorized to perform?

  1. Taking an acknowledgment of a deed Correct answer.
  2. Preparing a deed for a seller
  3. Advising a buyer on title insurance
  4. Representing a party in a real estate closing

Explanation

Taking an acknowledgment is a core notarial act authorized by statute. Preparing deeds, advising on title insurance, and representing parties are legal services reserved to licensed professionals.

Question 43Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document for a person who does not speak English and no interpreter is available. What should the notary do?

  1. Proceed because the notarial certificate is in English
  2. Proceed because the signer can simply sign the document
  3. Proceed and have the signer initial the certificate to show understanding
  4. Decline until communication can be established so the person understands the act Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary must be able to communicate with the signer so the signer understands the nature of the act. Without a means of communication, the notary cannot properly perform the act and should decline.

Question 44Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to perform a notarial act for a person who claims to be the signer's attorney and wants the notary to notarize the signer's signature without the signer present. What is the correct response?

  1. Decline because the signer must personally appear before the notary Correct answer.
  2. Proceed if the attorney presents the signer's identification
  3. Proceed because an attorney may represent the signer's interests
  4. Proceed if the attorney signs the journal on the signer's behalf

Explanation

Personal appearance of the signer is a fundamental requirement for notarial acts; an attorney or other representative cannot substitute for the signer's presence. The notary must decline.

Question 45Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which statement best explains why a notary should record the type of identification presented in the journal?

  1. It satisfies the requirement that the notary keep the identification document
  2. It creates a record that can support the integrity of the notarial act if later questioned Correct answer.
  3. It proves the notary charged the correct fee
  4. It is required to make the notarial certificate enforceable

Explanation

Recording identification details creates a contemporaneous record that can corroborate that the notary obtained satisfactory evidence of identity. It supports the integrity of the act if it is later challenged.

Question 46Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to notarize a document that the notary believes is fraudulent. What is the notary's proper action?

  1. Perform the act and note the suspicion in the journal
  2. Perform the act because the notary does not determine legality
  3. Decline to perform the notarial act Correct answer.
  4. Perform the act only if the signer pays double the fee

Explanation

A notary should not participate in a transaction the notary believes is fraudulent. Declining protects the public and the integrity of the notarial office.

Question 47Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public receives a request to notarize a document for a person who is incarcerated. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The notary may delegate the act to a correctional officer
  2. The notary may perform the act if the notary can personally appear before the signer and all requirements are met Correct answer.
  3. The notary may notarize by telephone because the signer cannot travel
  4. The notary may never notarize for an incarcerated person

Explanation

Incarceration does not strip a person of the ability to have documents notarized; the notary may act if personal appearance and other requirements are satisfied. The notary may not delegate the act or perform it remotely by telephone.

Question 48Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which practice best helps a notary avoid liability when the notary is uncertain whether a requested act is authorized?

  1. Performing the act and relying on the signer's assurance
  2. Performing the act and documenting the uncertainty in the certificate
  3. Performing the act because notaries are broadly authorized for all document services
  4. Declining the act until the notary confirms the legal authority to perform it Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary should perform only acts clearly authorized by law. When uncertain, the notary should decline until the authority is confirmed, for example by consulting official guidance or counsel.

Question 49Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public is asked to administer an oath to a witness in a legal proceeding. What must the notary do to properly perform this act?

  1. Require the witness to appear personally and administer the oath or affirmation Correct answer.
  2. Allow the attorney to administer the oath while the notary observes
  3. Accept a written statement from the witness in place of an oath
  4. Administer the oath over the telephone without seeing the witness

Explanation

Administering an oath requires the personal appearance of the affiant and the notary's direct administration of the oath or affirmation. Substitutes such as written statements, delegation, or remote administration without appearance do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 50Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities

Which statement accurately describes the notary's obligation regarding the notary commission certificate?

  1. The notary must post the certificate publicly at all times
  2. The notary must return the certificate to the county clerk each year
  3. The notary may lend the certificate to another person for identification purposes
  4. The notary should keep the commission certificate available and produce it upon request Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary should retain the commission certificate and be able to produce it when requested as proof of authority. Lending it or posting it publicly is not required and could facilitate misuse.